Perfect Manicure for your next cruise!

Jerry King

International Press IFO

US Press Corp.

www.wlrci.com

The Perfect Manicure for Your Next Cruise

You’re not vacation-ready until your nails are photo-ready. Here are seven great colors for your next trip at sea.

You’ve splurged on the perfect bikini and you’ve got the latest in nautical beachwear, but are your hands looking equally fab? If not, never fear — we’ve got your go-to guide to that perfect vacation mani.

You’ll find some great color picks below, but if you really want to kick it up a notch, consider trying out some nautical nail art. Pinterest is chock-full of ideas and DIY tutorials, from anchor-themed looks to sparkly fish scales. And whether you’re seeing the best of the Caribbean or exploring the Alaskan wilderness, your manicure will be on-point.

If you’re heading to Cozumel

Try: Essie Blanc

Take a tip from blogger Caitlin of Southern Curls & Pearls, who recently showed off her minimalist mani on Freedom of the Seas. It’s the perfect match for the white sands and foamy waves in beautiful Cozumel.

If you’re heading to Hawaii

Try: OPI That’s Hula-rious

Get ready for tiki heaven with this pastel mint green color inspired by the lush landscapes of Hawaii. Worried about chipping a nail while you learn to surf? Consider trying a shellac mani in a similar shade.

If you’re heading to St. Thomas

Try: Orly Beach Cruiser

Make like Alabama-based blogger Amanda of KevinandAmanda.com and choose a shocking pink hue to match the brilliant colors you’ll see on the island of St. Thomas.

If you’re heading to Alaska

Try: Essie Find Me an Oasis

This icy blue mimics the breathtaking North Pacific waters you’ll be navigating during weeklong Alaska cruises. Those gorgeous glaciers will have nothing on you in this color.

If you’re heading to Bermuda

Try: Essie Spaghetti Strap

Like Bermuda’s famous pink-sand beaches, this surprising peony color is the perfect mix of prim and cheeky.

If you’re heading to Aruba

Try: Ciaté Pool Party

The southern Caribbean’s deep blue waters are a stunning hue — and this color perfectly reflects it. You’ll fit right in on adeep-sea diving adventure off the coast of Aruba.

P.S. If you’ve totally procrastinated, the Vitality Spa onboard will come to your rescue.

How Staff Wendy Williams Sailed to the Top of Anthem of the Seas.

6 Questions with Anthem’s Staff Captain

How Wendy Williams Sailed to the Top of Anthem of the Seas.

Jerry King

International Press IFO

US Press Corp.

www.wlrci.com

Wendy Williams is used to taking the road less traveled. Not only is she one of the women rising through the officer ranks at Royal Caribbean, but she successfully pulled off a career transition after a start in nursing. She has charted her own course, following her heart and her passions to the sea and into the mostly male maritime industry. Williams is Staff Captain of Anthem of the Seas, which means she is just one step away from being captain of the whole ship. We asked her how she navigated her way up in this male-dominated field; what a day at sea is like for a Staff Captain; and for that matter, what is a Staff Captain?

Here’s her perspective from the bridge:

What is the role of a Staff Captain?

A lot goes into running a smooth operation on a ship that is 168,666 tons and carries 4,905 guests, so the captain of the ship is supported by a team. There’s the Chief Engineer, the Hotel Director and Staff Captain, that’s me. I’m responsible for overall ship maintenance, security onboard and I look after the navigation officers on the bridge.

How did you come to be a mariner?

My family is involved in the marine business in various ways, and I grew up on the west coast of Canada and now live in Vancouver so the exposure was natural. I actually trained to be a nurse first though. Then I got a second degree in marine biology and went to sea to study fish for the Department of Fisheries. We would be out for six or seven months, and I just fell in love with learning about the charts and stars, and navigating from the bridge; sometimes they would let me steer and I thought – this is what I really want to do. I got my Master Mariner’s license and started working on commercial fishing vessels before coming to Royal Caribbean. In 2002, I applied and when I got the call to join Voyager of the Seas I left the very next day and have been with the company ever since.

Do you get to drive?

Yes, sometimes I bring the ship into port or take the ship out, sometimes Captain Andersen does. We have positioning systems on this ship that will take us to within 10cm of our planned spot at the pier, but this “parking” is still done by hand. When I am not the one maneuvering the ship, you will find me in the center doing speed control, communicating with the pilots who are experts on the local harbors we enter, and coordinating operations with the mooring deck to get the ship safely tied up and the gangway set.

Why be a mariner?

Being a mariner is almost a calling like the priesthood; not everybody wants to be out here, but we sail these amazing ships, going to amazing places and carrying this precious cargo – people out to have a great vacation. It’s a big responsibility, but look at the office we have here. I wouldn’t trade this for anything else.

What is it like to command a massive ship?

It’s exciting, the most exciting thing I’ve done in my life. I will stand on shore and look at how absolutely immense this beautiful ship is, and I know I am this tiny figure up on the bridge controlling this whole mass, it’s humbling and I’m so happy and proud.

What is your next goal?

I would like to be a captain with Royal Caribbean and have my own ship.

With skills, smarts and experience like Wendy Williams has, we have little doubt she’ll reach that goal. Royal Caribbean was the first major cruise line to have a female captain, back in 2007, and has continued to place women behind the helms of our ships. We’ll be rooting for Wendy to add her name to the list someday!

Meet The Captain Of Anthem Of The Seas

Meet the Captain of Anthem of the Seas

8 Questions for the Man at the Helm of the 168,666 -Ton Ship

Claus Andersen has always been a man on the move. Originally from Norway, the 17-year Royal Caribbean veteran now calls South Africa home — that is, of course, when he is not at the helm of a ship. But what does a cruise ship captain really do? And what’s it like to be the top dog — or Master — of a ship like Anthem of the Seas?

Captain Andersen took a few minutes from his busy schedule to tell us all about his job, his favorite activities onboard and some of his most memorable moments at sea.

What’s it like to be Anthem’s very first captain?

To be taking our newest ship out into the world is exciting. Anthem is the most technologically advanced ship I’ve ever seen, and not just for the crew, but also for guests. To be the first captain to guide this modern ship through the Mediterranean is absolutely fantastic. I can’t help but imagine the Greek and Roman captains who once sailed these waters. We’re going to have a wonderful summer celebrating “firsts” for the ship and our guests.

Do you actually “drive” the ship?

Yes. While we have incredible technology that can navigate the ship to any point in the world, or park us within centimeters of our dock coordinates, I still drive the ship. Coming into port or leaving port is still done the old-fashioned way: using the wheel and joysticks, we maneuver the ship by hand.

What is the biggest misconception about your job?

Many people believe I spend all my time at the wheel on the bridge, but my duties take me all over the ship and, of course, I must sleep. Coming into and out of ports, or in heavy traffic or bad weather, I will be on the bridge, but the Captain is responsible for everything on the ship and that takes a team including a core of first class navigational officers.

What’s a day onboard Anthem like for you?

I oversee the entire operation of 1,500 crew members and 4,950 guests, so no two days are exactly the same. My job is kind of like a general manager who is also a ship captain; it’s a unique job with lots of challenges, but it makes you feel so proud. It takes a strong team to keep everything running smoothly: the Staff Captain, who is in charge of security, safety, outside maintenance of the ship, and helping me run the bridge operation; the Chief Engineer, who oversees all the technical aspects of the ship; and the Hotel Director, who runs this floating hotel.

As a captain, you get to see a lot of unique moments onboard. Do any stick out in particular?

I would have to say the day we had a guest return from the clothing-optional Orient Beach in St. Maarten wearing only a towel. He was the last man back to ship so he had an audience of 3,500+ guests cheering him on. His clothing had been nabbed while he was swimming and he had to make his way back to ship with no clothes and no money; it was impressive that he convinced a taxi driver to take him for free!

What’s your favorite thing to do on Anthem?

The North Star! I was probably one of the first people to try it. The North Star is a huge crane with a gondola hanging on it that can lift you nearly 300 feet over the ocean’s surface. It is absolutely magnificent and a little bit thrilling. Also, I don’t want to worry anyone, but I do enjoy the bumper cars in the SeaPlex.

Royal Caribbean introduces its newest and most technologically advanced cruise ship Anthem of the Seas.
Pool Deck at sunset

What’s your favorite itinerary to sail?

The Alaska runs are very hard to beat. It is truly dramatic to sail past massive glaciers and into places like Skagway that are so much a part of legendary adventure. If you don’t have it on your bucket list, you should.

Any tips for aspiring captains?

It’s a long journey from finishing your education to becoming a captain — 15 or 20 years — so you must truly be following your passion to work your way through the ranks.

Want to learn more about how things work behind the scenes on a Royal Caribbean ship? Read these interviews with a chef,an actor and an ice skater.

Cruising and Travel

Friday, July 17, 2015